How to Keep Outside Cats Warm this Winter

While we have one inside cat (Alexa the Diva), we also have two beloved outside cats (Hannah and Queen Fatima).  Needless to say, when cold weather hits, thoughts of keeping our outside little girls warm are in the front of our collective minds. We live outside the city limits with a garage and an abandoned barn beside us.  Fatima is wonderful about heading off to the garage (which we keep cracked for them to get in and out of) or even the barn, but Hannah?

She always seems afraid that she’s going to miss something and doesn’t leave the carport until snow, ice, hail, or a tornado force her into the garage.  Even then, as soon as the coast is clear, she’s back to her favorite spot by the back door!

If Alexa weren’t so set in her ways, the solution would be obvious – bring them inside.  But, alas, Alexa claims “First come, first served” rights and there you have it.  She who must be obeyed…. must be obeyed.

Don’t worry about Miss Hannah, though. I have become quite the accomplished tent builder for my adorable little girl. Last winter was ridiculously mild here in Kentucky, so my Abdul the Tent-maker skills served Hannah well. However, I’ve heard that this winter is supposed to be a really bad one, so I’m trying to step up my game.

One of the things I’ve found so far is the Slumber Pet Thermal Cat Mat – Color Gray (shown above). This thermal mat is available in gray, blue, or beige.

Thermal Cat Bed Features:

• Thermal cat mat keeps cats warm and comfortable without the use of electricity
• This cozy mat features a lightweight core that actually reflects pet’s own body heat back to the animal
• Provides soothing comfort to cats, kittens, aging pets, nursing females, or animals recovering from illness or injury
• Machine-washable pad features a leopard-print motif that reverses to solid black berber fleece and it includes a hangtag
• Measures 22-inch length by 18 1/2-inch width

Product Description

This cozy mat features a lightweight core that actually reflects pet’s own body heat back to the animal. Provides soothing comfort to cats, kittens, aging pets, nursing females, or animals recovering from illness or injury. Machine-washable pad features a leopard-print motif that reverses to solid black berber fleece. Machine wash in cold water on gentle cycle. Line dry. It includes a hangtag. Available in gray color. Measures 22-inch length by 18 1/2-inch width.

I also found the K&H Outdoor Kitty House, Heated (pictured on the left – click through for different… much larger… views).  This Outdoor Heated Kitty House is made with 600 denier nylon and features a vinyl backing that makes it waterproof.

Your cat’s own warm little  house comes with and accommodates a Lectro Soft Outdoor Heated Kitty Bed that uses only 20-watts. The roof hangs over the 2 doors to keep cats warm, safe and dry. Easy to assemble with velcro walls and a zippered roof.

My favorite part (aside from the whole keeping cats warm and dry part) is this: There’s a back door! Two exits mean your cat can’t be trapped by another cat, a dog that likes to play too tough, or skunk that wants to snuggle.

Outdoor Heated Cat House Features: